Implant Dentistry in Seattle
If you’re missing a tooth, you know that distinct shock of pain that a tortilla chip can cause. Ouch. There are a variety of options for replacing that missing tooth. Bridges and dentures all work, at least in the short-term, but a dental implant is a gold standard for solving the problem.
The way an implant works is one of our doctors will insert a screw into your jaw bone(s). The screw attaches to your jawbone, which might not sound neat, but actually, it helps prevent it from deteriorating. The bone attaching itself to the implant is called “osseointegration”. A dental crown is then attached to the implant. The result is a permanent, securely attached, tooth, that will function much like all of your natural teeth. With regular brushing and flossing, you can expect this new tooth to last for the rest of your life. If you are experiencing tooth loss, contact our dental office for information on our dental implants in Seattle.
Why Choose Dental Specialties Northwest for Dental Implants in Seattle?
We’re the dentists where other dentists send their toughest cases. There’s a good reason for that, and that’s because we’re the experts. This is not a side gig for our doctors, but our specialty. We have the advanced training and knowledge that’s necessary to be good at this specialty. More importantly, we have the experience of doing tens of thousands of dental implants. Dr. Sweeney is a member of the Pierre Fauchard Society and a member of the International Team of Implantologists. He is a renowned dental surgeon.
You only have one mouth, and no one thinks dental work is fun. You want the work done right the first time. You want a dental implant dentist to do the job. The result will be a new tooth that looks just exactly the way you want. We are also able to provide sedation dentistry such as oral conscious sedation when you are in the process of getting your artificial tooth.
Dental Implant Benefits
Convenient
Implants are a convenient way to secure your dental work, such as bridges and dentures. When you secure your dental work with implants, you don’t have to worry about shifting or damaging healthy teeth. This is a form of restorative dentistry.
Full Tooth Replacement
A dental implant replaces the tooth root, and a crown can restore the portion of your tooth above the gumline. Dental implants combined with dental crowns are the only solution for missing teeth that will provide a full, functional tooth. The replacement tooth will last for years to come. Early on a dental implant dentist will determine if you need bone grafting in order to secure the implant properly.
Health Benefits
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone can start to deteriorate without the tooth root’s support. Implants provide the support that your jaw needs to stay healthy.
Long-Lasting
On average, implants last from 10-15 years. With excellent dental hygiene, your implants may last much longer.
Natural Looking
It is possible to create natural-looking teeth with an implant. Only you and your dentist will know for sure that it’s not a natural tooth. Cosmetic dentistry is an important part of dental implant surgery as we want you to love your new smile.
Improve Self Esteem
Missing teeth can make you self-conscious and reluctant to smile. Implants can help return your confidence in your smile and boost your self-esteem.
CONTACT US
Call 206-682-8200e
At Dental Specialties Northwest, we work hard to help patients achieve dazzling smiles. Call 206-682-8200 to speak with us about how our options can help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
When it comes to dental implants, the question of insurance coverage is an important one to explore. While these innovative tooth replacements represent an investment, they offer exceptional value by restoring your smile’s function, appearance, and your overall quality of life. The good news is that many dental plans these days do provide coverage for implant treatment.
More and more insurance companies recognize the long-term benefits and necessity of dental implants. Rather than looking at them as just a cosmetic treatment, implants are increasingly covered, at least partially, when replacing missing teeth. Especially if tooth loss resulted from injury, disease, or was medically required, you may find your plan is quite accommodating for implants.
Every policy is different, with some providing higher implant coverage than others. Your out-of-pocket costs can depend on factors like your plan’s annual maximums, deductibles, and percentage of coverage. But don’t assume implants won’t be covered at all. It’s definitely worth investigating what your specific insurance will pay for.
What are the Types of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have revolutionized the field of restorative dentistry, offering a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. There are two primary types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal implants are the most commonly used type. They involve placing a titanium post directly into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial root for the new tooth. Once the surrounding tissue has healed and the implant has fused with the bone, a crown is attached to the post, providing the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, are placed under the gum but on, or above, the jawbone. This type of implant is typically used for patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone and cannot, or do not want to, undergo a bone augmentation procedure to rebuild it.
Dr. Thomas Sweeney at Dental Specialties Northwest can help determine which type of implant is best for you based on your specific needs and circumstances.
What Can I Eat After Dental Implant Surgery?
After dental implant surgery, it’s important to adjust your diet to aid the healing process and avoid discomfort. For the first few days following the procedure, stick to soft foods and liquids. This might include foods like yogurt, pudding, soup, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. It’s also crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
As your mouth heals, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods into your diet. However, you should continue to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods until your dentist gives you the all-clear. Remember, everyone’s recovery process is unique, so it’s important to listen to your body and follow Dr. Sweeney’s post-operative instructions.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
It’s natural to have concerns about pain when considering dental surgery. However, most patients report that the discomfort associated with dental implant surgery is less than they expected. The procedure itself is performed under local or general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the surgery.
After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and swelling, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and should subside within a few days. Dr. Sweeney and the team at Dental Specialties Northwest are committed to ensuring your comfort throughout the entire process, from consultation to recovery.
